Unfortunately, there are traders whose businesses have been affected by tribalism. Samson Kyalo, a hotelier, has made losses because he lost customers due to tribalism.
Initially, Kyalo prepared foods that all major communities liked such as mukimo, githeri, Muthokoi, ugali, chicken and fish. Ordinarily, all types of foods he prepared were consumed with some customers sometimes missing a delicacy because they were late for a few minutes.
However, Kyalo began to notice that demand for certain foods, which are synonymous with some communities were not being ordered as before. The demand slowed down till he suspected something amiss.
"Before l knew the whole saga had to do with tribalism, l wondered why foods which were in great demand were not being ordered. That is when it occurred to me that tribalism had eaten into my business. I panicked because I had lost a big chunk of my clientele," says Kyalo, who later decided to get the foods that were not moving off the menu.
Other food sellers we talked to revealed that they now prepare foods that people from their communities like to avoid unnecessary losses and wastage.
"When l started this hotel l had many customers from all ethnic communities but now, I only get people from my community. When I meet my erstwhile customers, I ask them why they no longer come to my hotel, and they tell me they don’t have money," says a hotelier who declined to be named because he hopes things will change and get his customers back.
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Very sad story.
I've been a tribalist and racist and religiounist for some time now. What measures should I take to fight the vice that is destroying so much potential among us?
"One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Rev Canon Karanja.